Looking for your next epic fantasy obsession? Whether you're searching for sprawling world-building, morally grey characters, intricate magic systems, or thousands of pages to lose yourself in, epic fantasy delivers adventures on an unparalleled scale. From grimdark masterpieces to classic chosen one narratives, these six series represent the very best the genre has to offer.
If you love fantasy series with rich lore, complex characters, and stories that span continents and generations, this list is for you. We've gathered recommendations for every type of epic fantasy reader; from those craving brutal realism to those seeking sweeping, traditional adventures.
1. The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
Series Status: Incomplete (2 books published, Book 3 forthcoming)
Books in the Series:
The Name of the Wind (2007)
The Wise Man's Fear (2011)
The Doors of Stone (forthcoming)
Spoiler-Free Overview
Kvothe is a legend. He's been called Kvothe the Bloodless, Kvothe the Arcane, and Kvothe Kingkiller; a man whose exploits have become the stuff of myth. But now he lives as Kote, a simple innkeeper in a quiet village, waiting to die. When a travelling scribe called Chronicler arrives seeking the truth behind the legends, Kvothe agrees to tell his story over three days.
What unfolds is an autobiography unlike any other in fantasy. We follow young Kvothe from his childhood amongst a troupe of travelling performers, through devastating tragedy, to his years as a street urchin and eventually his admission to the University; a place of dangerous magic, academic rivalry, and mysterious secrets. Patrick Rothfuss crafts prose so beautiful it has been compared to Ursula K. Le Guin's finest work, weaving a tale of music, magic, love, and loss that lingers long after the final page.
Why You Should Read The Kingkiller Chronicle
Prose that reads like poetry; Rothfuss's writing is frequently praised as some of the most beautiful in modern fantasy
A unique narrative structure with Kvothe telling his own legend, blurring the line between truth and myth
One of the most compelling protagonists in the genre; brilliant, flawed, and utterly captivating
A fascinating magic system based on the true names of things and the power of naming
Perfect for readers who love character-driven fantasy, unreliable narrators, and lyrical prose
Praised by George R.R. Martin, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Ursula K. Le Guin
Winner of the Quill Award and a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Note on the Series: The third book, The Doors of Stone, has been long-awaited. If you prefer completed series, you may wish to wait; but many readers feel the existing two books are worth reading regardless, as they're masterpieces in their own right.
2. The First Law by Joe Abercrombie
Series Status: Complete (10+ books in the wider universe)
Reading Order:
The First Law Trilogy:
1. The Blade Itself (2006)
2. Before They Are Hanged (2007)
3. Last Argument of Kings (2008)
Standalone Novels:
4. Best Served Cold (2009)
5. The Heroes (2011)
6. Red Country (2012)
The Age of Madness Trilogy:
7. A Little Hatred (2019)
8. The Trouble with Peace (2020)
9. The Wisdom of Crowds (2021)
Spoiler-Free Overview
Joe Abercrombie is widely credited with popularising grimdark fantasy, and The First Law is where it all began. This is epic fantasy with the romanticism stripped away; where heroes are deeply flawed, villains have understandable motivations, and doing the right thing rarely leads to reward.
The original trilogy introduces us to three unforgettable characters: Logen Ninefingers, a barbarian trying to escape his violent past; Sand dan Glokta, a crippled torturer with a sardonic wit; and Jezal dan Luthar, a vain young nobleman with more ambition than sense. Their paths intertwine as war threatens the Union, ancient magic stirs, and a mysterious wizard pursues his own inscrutable agenda.
What sets The First Law apart is Abercrombie's razor-sharp prose, darkly comedic voice, and willingness to subvert every fantasy trope you thought you knew. The world expands dramatically through the standalone novels and the Age of Madness trilogy, which jumps forward a generation into an industrial revolution.
Why You Should Read The First Law
The definitive grimdark fantasy series; brutal, cynical, and utterly compelling
Morally grey characters who defy easy categorisation as heroes or villains
Darkly hilarious writing that balances brutal violence with genuine wit
Subverts traditional fantasy tropes at every turn whilst still delivering satisfying storytelling
An expansive universe with standalone novels that work as entry points or deeper dives
Perfect for readers who loved A Song of Ice and Fire and want something even darker
The audiobook narration by Steven Pacey is legendary amongst fantasy fans
If you've already read The First Law and want more Abercrombie, check out our review of The Devils; his newest standalone novel featuring monsters, vampires, and werewolves.
3. The Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb
Series Status: Complete (16 books across 5 sub-series)
Reading Order:
The Farseer Trilogy:
1. Assassin's Apprentice (1995)
2. Royal Assassin (1996)
3. Assassin's Quest (1997)
The Liveship Traders Trilogy:
4. Ship of Magic (1998)
5. The Mad Ship (1999)
6. Ship of Destiny (2000)
The Tawny Man Trilogy:
7. Fool's Errand (2001)
8. The Golden Fool (2002)
9. Fool's Fate (2003)
The Rain Wild Chronicles:
10. Dragon Keeper (2009)
11. Dragon Haven (2010)
12. City of Dragons (2012)
13. Blood of Dragons (2013)
The Fitz and the Fool Trilogy:
14. Fool's Assassin (2014)
15. Fool's Quest (2015)
16. Assassin's Fate (2017)
Spoiler-Free Overview
Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings is widely considered one of the greatest achievements in fantasy literature. At its heart lies the story of FitzChivalry Farseer; a royal bastard trained as an assassin, blessed and cursed with magical abilities, whose life we follow from childhood to old age across three trilogies spanning decades.
The Farseer Trilogy introduces us to Fitz, the illegitimate son of a prince, raised in the shadows of Buckkeep Castle. When the king discovers Fitz possesses the Skill; a form of telepathic magic; he's trained as a royal assassin, a weapon to be wielded in the kingdom's defence. But Fitz also possesses the Wit, a despised magic that allows him to bond with animals, marking him as an outcast even as he serves the crown.
What makes this series extraordinary is its emotional depth. Hobb writes characters so real they feel like old friends, and she isn't afraid to break your heart repeatedly. The Liveship Traders and Rain Wild Chronicles expand the world with different characters and locations, whilst the Tawny Man and Fitz and the Fool trilogies continue Fitz's story to a devastating, beautiful conclusion.
Why You Should Read The Realm of the Elderlings
The most emotionally devastating fantasy series ever written; be prepared to cry
Character development that spans decades and feels utterly real
Multiple magic systems including the Skill, the Wit, and dragon lore
Sentient ships, dragons, and one of fantasy's most enigmatic characters in the Fool
Beautiful prose that draws you into every moment
Perfect for readers who love character-driven epic fantasy and don't mind having their hearts broken
George R.R. Martin called Robin Hobb's books "diamonds in a sea of zircons"
4. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (completed by Brandon Sanderson)
Series Status: Complete (14 books + 1 prequel)
Reading Order:
The Eye of the World (1990)
The Great Hunt (1990)
The Dragon Reborn (1991)
The Shadow Rising (1992)
The Fires of Heaven (1993)
Lord of Chaos (1994)
A Crown of Swords (1996)
The Path of Daggers (1998)
Winter's Heart (2000)
Crossroads of Twilight (2003)
Knife of Dreams (2005)
The Gathering Storm (2009)*
Towers of Midnight (2010)*
A Memory of Light (2013)*
New Spring (prequel, 2004) - can be read after book 5 or at the end
*Completed by Brandon Sanderson after Robert Jordan's death
Spoiler-Free Overview
The Wheel of Time is one of the most influential fantasy series ever written, selling over 90 million copies worldwide and inspiring countless authors who followed. Now adapted into an Amazon Prime series, it remains the gold standard for traditional epic fantasy.
In a world where only women can safely wield the One Power (men who channel inevitably go mad), prophecy speaks of the Dragon Reborn; a man destined to save the world from the Dark One, but also to break it in the process. When mysterious forces attack the village of Emond's Field, three young men; Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara; are swept into an adventure that will change the fate of nations.
What follows is a sprawling epic spanning continents, cultures, and thousands of characters. Robert Jordan created one of fantasy's most detailed worlds, drawing on mythologies from around the globe whilst crafting something entirely unique. The series was completed posthumously by Brandon Sanderson, who honoured Jordan's vision whilst delivering a satisfying conclusion.
Why You Should Read The Wheel of Time
One of the most influential fantasy series in the genre's history
Incredibly detailed world-building with distinct cultures, histories, and magic systems
A complete story with a satisfying ending (14 books + prequel)
Complex magic system with gendered magic and fascinating limitations
Perfect for readers who love Tolkien-esque epic fantasy with modern sensibilities
Now a major Amazon Prime series for those who want to experience both versions
Over 90 million copies sold and consistently ranked amongst the greatest fantasy series ever
A Note on Pacing: Some readers find the middle books (particularly 7-10) slower than the rest. Push through; the final four books deliver an extraordinary payoff.
5. Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
Series Status: Complete (10 books in main series)
Reading Order:
Gardens of the Moon (1999)
Deadhouse Gates (2000)
Memories of Ice (2001)
House of Chains (2002)
Midnight Tides (2004)
The Bonehunters (2006)
Reaper's Gale (2007)
Toll the Hounds (2008)
Dust of Dreams (2009)
The Crippled God (2011)
Spoiler-Free Overview
Malazan Book of the Fallen is not for the faint of heart. It is arguably the most ambitious, complex, and rewarding fantasy series ever written; a ten-book epic spanning thousands of years, multiple continents, and hundreds of point-of-view characters. Steven Erikson, a trained archaeologist and anthropologist, brings academic rigour to his world-building whilst crafting some of the most emotionally devastating and philosophically rich fantasy ever put to page.
The series follows the declining Malazan Empire through wars, betrayals, and cosmic conflicts between gods, mortals, and beings far older than either. Unlike most fantasy, Erikson doesn't hold your hand. He drops you into a world mid-conflict, expects you to keep up, and rewards careful readers with layers of meaning that only reveal themselves on rereads.
Gardens of the Moon was written nine years before publication and throws readers into the deep end. Many consider Deadhouse Gates (book 2) to be where the series truly finds its stride, featuring one of fantasy's most harrowing and unforgettable sequences: the Chain of Dogs.
Why You Should Read Malazan Book of the Fallen
The most ambitious fantasy series ever written; nothing else compares in scope
Incredible philosophical depth exploring themes of compassion, power, and what it means to be human
Military fantasy at its finest with brutal, realistic battles and their consequences
A completed ten-book series with additional novels by co-creator Ian Cameron Esslemont
Perfect for readers who want to be challenged and rewarded for their attention
Ranked #2 in Fantasy Book Review's top 10 fantasies and one of Paste's 30 best fantasy series of all time
World Fantasy Award nominated with Gardens of the Moon shortlisted
A Note for New Readers: Malazan demands patience. The first book is deliberately disorienting, and many readers struggle initially. Trust the process; the payoff is extraordinary. Consider joining online communities like r/Malazan on Reddit for support during your first read.
6. Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
Series Status: Complete (3 books)
Reading Order:
Realm Breaker (2021)
Blade Breaker (2022)
Fate Breaker (2023)
Spoiler-Free Overview
What happens when the heroes have already failed? When the fellowship falls and only misfits remain to save the world? Victoria Aveyard's Realm Breaker trilogy answers these questions with a YA epic fantasy that delivers Tolkien-scale adventure with modern sensibilities.
Corayne an-Amarat lives a quiet life in a port town at the edge of the world; until strangers arrive bearing impossible news. Her father, a man she's never met, was one of the legendary Spindles; warriors who could travel between worlds. Now he's dead, the other heroes have fallen, and a vengeful mercenary with a stolen mythical sword plans to tear open the walls between realms, unleashing demonic forces that will destroy everything.
Corayne's blood makes her the only one who can stop him. But she's no hero; she's a seventeen-year-old girl who's never held a sword. Her companions are equally unlikely: a disgraced squire, an immortal seeking redemption, an exiled assassin, an ancient sorceress, a forger with secrets, and a bounty hunter with a score to settle. Together, this band of misfits must save a world that's already given up hope.
Why You Should Read Realm Breaker
Tolkien meets Guardians of the Galaxy; epic fantasy with a found family of misfits
Multiple POVs with a sprawling cast of knights, witches, monsters, gods, and dragons
A completed trilogy perfect for binge-reading
Accessible epic fantasy for readers who find longer series intimidating
Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J. Maas, and classic quest narratives
#1 New York Times bestseller praised as "a true fantasy masterpiece" by Sabaa Tahir
Exquisitely slow-burn villain romance for readers who love morally complex relationships
Which Epic Fantasy Should You Read First?
Not sure where to start? Here's a quick guide based on what you're looking for:
If you want beautiful prose and don't mind waiting for conclusions: Start with The Kingkiller Chronicle
If you want grimdark with dark humour: Start with The First Law
If you want character-driven emotional devastation: Start with The Realm of the Elderlings
If you want classic epic fantasy with detailed world-building: Start with The Wheel of Time
If you want the most complex, challenging, and rewarding series: Start with Malazan Book of the Fallen
If you want accessible YA epic fantasy: Start with Realm Breaker
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Books Featured in This Article
The Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
Discover #1 New York Times-bestselling Patrick Rothfuss’ epic fantasy series, The Kingkiller Chronicle. “I just love the world of Patrick Rothfuss.” —Lin-Manuel Miranda • “He’s bloody good, this Rothfuss guy.” —George R. R. Martin • “Rothfuss has real talent.” —Terry Brooks OVER 1 MILLION COPIES SOLD! DAY ONE: THE NAME OF THE WIND My name is Kvothe. I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep. You may have heard of me. So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature—the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man’s search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend. Praise for The Kingkiller Chronicle: “The best epic fantasy I read last year.... He’s bloody good, this Rothfuss guy.” —George R. R. Martin, New York Times-bestselling author of A Song of Ice and Fire “Rothfuss has real talent, and his tale of Kvothe is deep and intricate and wondrous.” —Terry Brooks, New York Times-bestselling author of Shannara "It is a rare and great pleasure to find a fantasist writing...with true music in the words." —Ursula K. Le Guin, award-winning author of Earthsea "The characters are real and the magic is true.” —Robin Hobb, New York Times-bestselling author of Assassin’s Apprentice "Masterful.... There is a beauty to Pat's writing that defies description." —Brandon Sanderson, New York Times-bestselling author of Mistborn
The Blade Itself
by Joe Abercrombie
Inquisitor Glokta, a crippled and increasingly bitter relic of the last war, former fencing champion turned torturer extraordinaire, is trapped in a twisted and broken body - not that he allows it to distract him from his daily routine of torturing smugglers. Nobleman, dashing officer and would-be fencing champion Captain Jezal dan Luthar is living a life of ease by cheating his friends at cards. Vain, shallow, selfish and self-obsessed, the biggest blot on his horizon is having to get out of bed in the morning to train with obsessive and boring old men. And Logen Ninefingers, an infamous warrior with a bloody past, is about to wake up in a hole in the snow with plans to settle a blood feud with Bethod, the new King of the Northmen, once and for all - ideally by running away from it. But as he's discovering, old habits die really, really hard indeed... ...especially when Bayaz gets involved. A bald old man with a terrible temper and a pathetic assistant, he could be the First of the Magi, he could be a spectacular fraud, but whatever he is, he's about to make the lives of Glotka, Jezal and Logen a whole lot more difficult...
Assassin's Apprentice
by Robin Hobb
“Fantasy as it ought to be written . . . Robin Hobb’s books are diamonds in a sea of zircons.”—George R. R. Martin Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father’s gruff stableman. He is treated as an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz’s blood runs the magic Skill—and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family. As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom. Praise for Robin Hobb and Assassin’s Apprentice “A gleaming debut in the crowded field of epic fantasies . . . a delightful take on the powers and politics behind the throne.”—Publishers Weekly “This is the kind of book you fall into, and start reading slower as you get to the end, because you don’t want it to be over.”—Steven Brust
The Eye of the World
by Robert Jordan
The Wheel of Time is now an original series on Prime Video, starring Rosamund Pike as Moiraine!A special hardcover edition of The Eye of the World, the first novel in Robert Jordan's #1 New York Times bestselling epic fantasy series, celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Wheel of Time®!The perfect gift for avid fans and new readers alike, this edition features redesigned jacket art, a new introduction from Brandon Sanderson, four-color world map endpapers, a hardcover stamp of the iconic snake-wheel, and a ribbon bookmark.The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.When a vicious band of half-men, half beasts invade the Two Rivers seeking their master’s enemy, Moiraine persuades Rand al’Thor and his friends to leave their home and enter a larger unimaginable world filled with dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light.Since its debut in 1990, The Wheel of Time® has captivated millions of readers around the globe with its scope, originality, and compelling characters. The last six books in series were all instant #1 New York Times bestsellers, and The Eye of the World was named one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read.The Wheel of Time®New Spring: The Novel#1 The Eye of the World#2 The Great Hunt#3 The Dragon Reborn#4 The Shadow Rising#5 The Fires of Heaven#6 Lord of Chaos#7 A Crown of Swords#8 The Path of Daggers#9 Winter's Heart#10 Crossroads of Twilight#11 Knife of DreamsBy Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson#12 The Gathering Storm#13 Towers of Midnight#14 A Memory of LightBy Robert Jordan and Teresa PattersonThe World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of TimeBy Robert Jordan, Harriet McDougal, Alan Romanczuk, and Maria SimonsThe Wheel of Time CompanionBy Robert Jordan and Amy RomanczukPatterns of the Wheel: Coloring Art Based on Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time
Gardens of the Moon
by Steven Erikson
Vast legions of gods, mages, humans, dragons and all manner of creatures play out the fate of the Malazan Empire in this first book in a major epic fantasy seriesThe Malazan Empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by interminable warfare, bitter infighting and bloody confrontations with the formidable Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii, ancient and implacable sorcerers. Even the imperial legions, long inured to the bloodshed, yearn for some respite. Yet Empress Laseen's rule remains absolute, enforced by her dread Claw assassins. For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, and for Tattersail, surviving cadre mage of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the many dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, yet holds out. It is to this ancient citadel that Laseen turns her predatory gaze. However, it would appear that the Empire is not alone in this great game. Sinister, shadowbound forces are gathering as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand... Conceived and written on a panoramic scale, Gardens of the Moon is epic fantasy of the highest order--an enthralling adventure by an outstanding new voice.
Realm Breaker
by Victoria Aveyard
Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller! "A true fantasy masterpiece." --Sabaa Tahir, #1 New York Times bestselling author The Queen of Fantasy strikes again! This stunning new series from Victoria Aveyard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Red Queen series is a high-voltage, high-stakes adventure where kingdoms hang in the balance and betrayal is only a breath away. A strange darkness grows in Allward even Corayne an-Amarat can feel it in her small town at the edge of the sea. The long lost heir to an ancient lineage, it's not until Corayne meets a rag-tag group of companions that she learns how to wield the magic slumbering in her blood--and how together they might stop what's coming. From her seat on the throne, Queen Erida has one aim: build a kingdom worthy of her destiny. While her court hopes to marry her off, Erida will do anything she can to avoid losing her crown--and her freedom. No matter the cost. Meanwhile, shadowy corpse armies march the hillsides and dangerous beasts creep through fissures in the world, and a great evil grows stronger by the day. As the realm descends into chaos, the choices are clear: Save the world...or end it. Realm Breaker is the first book in an epic series, told in multiple-POV chapters that follow an irresistible cast of characters through an incredibly imagined world, with action-packed adventure and lethal twists you won't see coming, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Tolkien himself. Don't miss Blade Breaker, the #1 New York Times bestselling sequel to Realm Breaker.